the arts along the north shore

Throughout the ages the North Shore has inspired a diverse group of artists. Remnants of Dakota and Ojibwe beadwork, weavings and pictographs reveal age-old interpretations of living with this land. Ethnic songs, dances, and rituals were and are imparted to each new generation.

It is the receptiveness of each generation that has allowed the continuation and growth of arts. Explore the galleries, studios, shops, performances and events offered by North Shore artisans.

Museums, art galleries, studios and performing art centers are noted below and can be filtered by community.

This working sculpture studio of metal artist Tom Christiansen also houses a contemporary fine art gallery and sculpture garden featuring the work of 30 regional and national artists. Weekly Saturday bronze pours at 4pm are open to the public. Located… see more

This working sculpture studio of metal artist Tom Christiansen also houses a contemporary fine art gallery and sculpture garden featuring the work of 30 regional and national artists. Weekly Saturday bronze pours at 4pm are open to the public. Located in downtown Lutsen.

Mother Nature’s contribution to our amazing piece of property lies in the “Thomsonite gemstone” embedded in our shoreline. Unique in its presence and beauty, we hope it will encourage lasting memories of your time spent relaxing on our shoreline, listening… see more

Mother Nature’s contribution to our amazing piece of property lies in the “Thomsonite gemstone” embedded in our shoreline. Unique in its presence and beauty, we hope it will encourage lasting memories of your time spent relaxing on our shoreline, listening to the waves, breathing in the fresh air of the North Shore, sitting by a campfire, watching the sun rise or sun set over the Sawtooth Mountain range. Or a visit to our Thomsonite Gemstone/Jewelry and gift shop, located in our office, will allow you to find the perfect souvenir.

The North Shore Music Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and supporting musical arts and musicians in northeast Minnesota with a focus on entertainment, education and cultural enrichment.

The North Shore Music Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and supporting musical arts and musicians in northeast Minnesota with a focus on entertainment, education and cultural enrichment.

Non-profit art center offering year-round art classes, studio access, and events for all skill levels from novice to professional artist. Visit the Gallery Store featuring local artists and instructors. Check out exhibits and get a tour of printmaking, glass, ceramics… see more

Non-profit art center offering year-round art classes, studio access, and events for all skill levels from novice to professional artist. Visit the Gallery Store featuring local artists and instructors. Check out exhibits and get a tour of printmaking, glass, ceramics and 2D art studios.

Sivertson Gallery is a destination for art on the North Shore, exhibiting the work of over 60 regional artists in addition to Canadian Inuit and Alaskan Native Art. The gallery focuses on Art of the North inspired 2D, 3D and… see more

Sivertson Gallery is a destination for art on the North Shore, exhibiting the work of over 60 regional artists in addition to Canadian Inuit and Alaskan Native Art. The gallery focuses on Art of the North inspired 2D, 3D and jewelry that reflects the distinct character of Lake Superior.

The pots I make are sturdy, bold, and reflect the processes of making them. Simple decoration enhances the rich surface created by long wood fires. The traces of the artist’s hand is both an antidote and protest to increasing uniformity.… see more

The pots I make are sturdy, bold, and reflect the processes of making them. Simple decoration enhances the rich surface created by long wood fires. The traces of the artist’s hand is both an antidote and protest to increasing uniformity. Impressions made in the soft clay reveal my tie to the work and to the landscape where it is made.
Showroom is open daily, 10am – 5pm.

The Arrowhead Center for the Arts celebrates and promotes the arts, artists, and the uniquely creative culture of Minnesota’s North Shore and Arrowhead regions. The Arrowhead Center for the Arts is a managed by the school. The Center serves the… see more

The Arrowhead Center for the Arts celebrates and promotes the arts, artists, and the uniquely creative culture of Minnesota’s North Shore and Arrowhead regions. The Arrowhead Center for the Arts is a managed by the school. The Center serves the community and visitors with theatre, music, and an eclectic array of year-round cultural events.

Featuring the work of local artists and craftsmen in a historic building. Housing a shared Maker’s Space, Nordic Wooden Ware, and the definitive source for art supplies. Create – Connect – Collaborate. Serving Indie Makers and Entrepreneurs.

Featuring the work of local artists and craftsmen in a historic building. Housing a shared Maker’s Space, Nordic Wooden Ware, and the definitive source for art supplies. Create – Connect – Collaborate. Serving Indie Makers and Entrepreneurs.

First time visitors are often surprised when they enter the gallery. From the outside you see a very rustic, board-and-batten barn with a blue metal roof. Inside, however, you are greeted with light walls, a timber frame, and elegant pieces of art throughout. Seasonal… see more

First time visitors are often surprised when they enter the gallery. From the outside you see a very rustic, board-and-batten barn with a blue metal roof. Inside, however, you are greeted with light walls, a timber frame, and elegant pieces of art throughout.
Seasonal hours ::
Summer, Thursday – Monday, 1-5pm
Spring & Fall, Friday – Sunday, 1-5pm
Winter, by appointment

A visit to our shop on the North Shore of Lake Superior is truly a unique shopping experience that you will enjoy whenever you visit the area. We display and sell the products of over 55 area artisans who take pride… see more

A visit to our shop on the North Shore of Lake Superior is truly a unique shopping experience that you will enjoy whenever you visit the area. We display and sell the products of over 55 area artisans who take pride in the quality and originality of their handmade art & craft. As our membership increases, so does the diversity of our inventory. The majority of our members are talented senior citizens!

At Waterfront Gallery, when you discover works of art that speak to you, you can also speak with the artists who created them. Owned, operated and curated by renowned location and landscape photographer Val Doherty, Waterfront Gallery is a premier destination… see more

At Waterfront Gallery, when you discover works of art that speak to you, you can also speak with the artists who created them. Owned, operated and curated by renowned location and landscape photographer Val Doherty, Waterfront Gallery is a premier destination for fine-art, custom framing and gifts. It is a full service, artist-owned gallery on the North Shore, offering a friendly, personal connection to the fine art in your life.

The Grand Marais Playhouse is a non-profit community theater dedicated to offering high quality theater and educational opportunities. We value artistic challenge, diversity, community and collaboration. We believe that theater arts enrich the lives of our citizens, enhance the education… see more

The Grand Marais Playhouse is a non-profit community theater dedicated to offering high quality theater and educational opportunities. We value artistic challenge, diversity, community and collaboration. We believe that theater arts enrich the lives of our citizens, enhance the education of our children, strengthen the economic stability of our community and make Cook County a better place to live.